Author Archives: Quincy

I am learning, slowly by slowly, not to panic or struggle when the wind shifts course. My intention for this Solstice was to sit in community with a group of people for whom I have immense gratitude. Yesterday, that plan shifted. In my usual fashion, resistance arrived first. I had my plan in mind, had coordinated a number of other events around this one in order to create time for it, and accepting that it would not happen felt like a stretch.The good news is that I am in the habit of encouraging myself to meet the opportunity to stretch with willingness, and—though it took me an hour or so to adjust—I relaxed into the idea that my Solstice Saturday would be spent solo. The more I passively considered that idea, mulling it over unconsciously for the most part, the more enthusiastic I grew about the prospect of having an entire unplanned day by myself on the land I love. Having just taken a break for a #cleanlocalplate of @vernal_vibe_rise #sprouts + #homemademayo + #mustardpickles with some #eastvirginia tuna, I can report that my #solosolstice day continues to be amazing. Now, back out to squeeze in two more hours of #willow and #pawpaw planting in this balmy, late-December weather. And maybe a fire with the #karakachan pups after dark. It has taken me nearly a decade of farming to understand that rest is just as important as the work. Trust me.Happy Solstice, everyone, and know that I support you in finding some quiet time—solo or otherwise—today, to reflect on what has been and where we are going on this next trip around.#iateitbeforeicouldtakeaphoto#decemberplanting #mychorrizae #earthcare#farmcare#selfcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

I am learning, slowly by slowly, not to panic or struggle when the wind shifts course. My intention for this Solstice was to sit in community with a group of people for whom I have immense gratitude. Yesterday, that plan shifted. In my usual fashion, resistance arrived first. I had my plan in mind, had coordinated a number of other events around this one in order to create time for it, and accepting that it would not happen felt like a stretch.The good news is that I am in the habit of encouraging myself to meet the opportunity to stretch with willingness, and—though it took me an hour or so to adjust—I relaxed into the idea that my Solstice Saturday would be spent solo. The more I passively considered that idea, mulling it over unconsciously for the most part, the more enthusiastic I grew about the prospect of having an entire unplanned day by myself on the land I love. Having just taken a break for a #cleanlocalplate of @vernal_vibe_rise #sprouts + #homemademayo + #mustardpickles with some #eastvirginia tuna, I can report that my #solosolstice day continues to be amazing. Now, back out to squeeze in two more hours of #willow and #pawpaw planting in this balmy, late-December weather. And maybe a fire with the #karakachan pups after dark. It has taken me nearly a decade of farming to understand that rest is just as important as the work. Trust me.Happy Solstice, everyone, and know that I support you in finding some quiet time—solo or otherwise—today, to reflect on what has been and where we are going on this next trip around.#iateitbeforeicouldtakeaphoto#decemberplanting #mychorrizae #earthcare#farmcare#selfcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

The Solstice freeze and I baked a cake for the heritage #dominiquechickens and #delawarechickens to enjoy on this new morning. Organic #sproutedgrain and a dusting of #diatomaceousearth and #thorvinkelp to finish. Delicious!#patissierfarmer#lecordonbleutaughtmewell#heritagechickens#heritagelivestock#earthcare#manure#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

The Solstice freeze and I baked a cake for the heritage #dominiquechickens and #delawarechickens to enjoy on this new morning. Organic #sproutedgrain and a dusting of #diatomaceousearth and #thorvinkelp to finish. Delicious!#patissierfarmer#lecordonbleutaughtmewell#heritagechickens#heritagelivestock#earthcare#manure#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

With family on my mind this week, here is a flash back to a memorable #cleanlocalplate at #sintravirginia this Summer. Greens, beans, and tomatoes from @tlberries with fresh #tidewatervirginia tuna and new potatoes, and #heritageeggs from the @vernal_vibe_rise hens. The #niçoiseolives were—obviously—not local. If you have a lead on local olives, let me know—@acornucopiaproject ? #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

With family on my mind this week, here is a flash back to a memorable #cleanlocalplate at #sintravirginia this Summer. Greens, beans, and tomatoes from @tlberries with fresh #tidewatervirginia tuna and new potatoes, and #heritageeggs from the @vernal_vibe_rise hens. The #niçoiseolives were—obviously—not local. If you have a lead on local olives, let me know—@acornucopiaproject ? #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

Yesterday’s rainy-day #familyfeed included @wildunicornfarmstead butternut squash, @vernal_vibe_rise kuri squash, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and #ossabawlard + #bellsvalleyfarm #englishroastbeef + bay leaves from #dildahliefarm and some I brought back from #zagrebcroatia + the essential @jqdsalt #cleanlocalplate #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

Yesterday’s rainy-day #familyfeed included @wildunicornfarmstead butternut squash, @vernal_vibe_rise kuri squash, garlic, rosemary, thyme, and #ossabawlard + #bellsvalleyfarm #englishroastbeef + bay leaves from #dildahliefarm and some I brought back from #zagrebcroatia + the essential @jqdsalt #cleanlocalplate #feedyourfriends#feedyourfamily #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

My #karakachan livestock guardian dogs get all of the meat scraps from the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen. When I am washing up from a meal, I usually grab the #cleanestdirty bowl and use that for any bones or bits of gristle that the pups would enjoy. Sometimes, that vessel, licked clean by the pups, is the container on hand when I have a few more eggs than I can reasonably carry down the hill post-chores. Which is why, in the historical style of my contradictory life, I sometimes end up with a crystal berry bowl filled with fresh-from-the-coop eggs on my gatepost, to be ferried down to the house.#gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #delawarechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

My #karakachan livestock guardian dogs get all of the meat scraps from the @vernal_vibe_rise kitchen. When I am washing up from a meal, I usually grab the #cleanestdirty bowl and use that for any bones or bits of gristle that the pups would enjoy. Sometimes, that vessel, licked clean by the pups, is the container on hand when I have a few more eggs than I can reasonably carry down the hill post-chores. Which is why, in the historical style of my contradictory life, I sometimes end up with a crystal berry bowl filled with fresh-from-the-coop eggs on my gatepost, to be ferried down to the house.#gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #delawarechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

Two of the wisest bitches I know. I walk into this New Year with an open heart and the clear intention to learn as much as I can from these two gals, along with the rest of my sisters. I am so grateful to feel surrounded by full-force feminine energy as I stride into this new decade and, nearly, into age 35. Life is beautiful. #staygrateful #2020#learnasyougo #mindfulnesspractice #peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

Two of the wisest bitches I know. I walk into this New Year with an open heart and the clear intention to learn as much as I can from these two gals, along with the rest of my sisters. I am so grateful to feel surrounded by full-force feminine energy as I stride into this new decade and, nearly, into age 35. Life is beautiful. #staygrateful #2020#learnasyougo #mindfulnesspractice #peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

One @vernal_vibe_rise #dominiquechicken nearly laid this warm egg in my hand today. Let me know if you want to try the best #beyondorganic eggs around. I offer an Egg Share subscription program and home delivery for two or more dozen within a reasonable distance/Lewisburg area. $8/dozen and worth it!#eggshare #gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

One @vernal_vibe_rise #dominiquechicken nearly laid this warm egg in my hand today. Let me know if you want to try the best #beyondorganic eggs around. I offer an Egg Share subscription program and home delivery for two or more dozen within a reasonable distance/Lewisburg area. $8/dozen and worth it!#eggshare #gratefulforeggs #heritagechickens#dominiquechicken #heritagelivestock#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract

This is a friendly farm #publicserviceannouncement —Wash Your Tools When You Finish Using Them. I have been digging holes and otherwise playing in the dirt for more than a couple of decades, and doing it professionally for a full decade. As of the past several months, I can now report that I wash mine every time I finish using them. And it feels so good.#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #toolcare #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

This is a friendly farm #publicserviceannouncement —Wash Your Tools When You Finish Using Them. I have been digging holes and otherwise playing in the dirt for more than a couple of decades, and doing it professionally for a full decade. As of the past several months, I can now report that I wash mine every time I finish using them. And it feels so good.#gettingwiser#learnasyougo #toolcare #theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

It was just so dang beautiful out on @vernal_vibe_rise this evening. The dogs opted to stay at the barn, but I had a solid solo walk after a day at the table in my @scion_design permaculture studio. I scouted some spots for the remaining #pawpaw trees, to be planted tomorrow, and returned home with a feeling of fullness and gratitude. #cyclicalliving #livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

It was just so dang beautiful out on @vernal_vibe_rise this evening. The dogs opted to stay at the barn, but I had a solid solo walk after a day at the table in my @scion_design permaculture studio. I scouted some spots for the remaining #pawpaw trees, to be planted tomorrow, and returned home with a feeling of fullness and gratitude. #cyclicalliving #livepermaculture #permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #holistichealth#observeandinteract

BARN of this Land

Image may contain: sky, outdoor and nature

This BARN. Every time I scoop feed, take refuge from rain or wind, store farm tools, or smell sweet local straw on my guardian dogs’ fur, it is tinted with gratitude for this barn. 
Even though I definitely hammered a few nails to help build this beauty, I see it as a gift from my brother @owenmcmichael —he coordinated the job and stuck with it until it was solid and dry enough to serve my needs. Along with my father (and some good help from @jelmcm and WWOOFer Lucas), Owen felled the trees, supervised and supported the sawyer, augered the post holes, stripped and set the posts, and built both floors with precision.

One of these days (after my wrists heal, for sure), I will follow through with my end of the deal by finishing the batten and sliding barn doors. My barn is both beautiful and functional as it is, and I know it will continue to learn—á la #stewartbrand —as the years pass.

#familyfarm
#redoak
#portablesawmill
#usewhatyouhave
#permaculturecommunity
#theproblemisthesolution
#designforthefuture
#permaculturefarm
#healthyfarmer
#selfcarewhilefarming
#truesustainability
#permaculture
#permacultura
#observeandinteract

My breakfast #cleanlocalplate today, sans plate: @vernal_vibe_rise #highprotein #glutenfree #grainfreeexceptoats bread stacked with VVR #broccolisprouts + homemade #lardmayonnaise + VVR sheep and #bellsvalleyfarm beef meatloaf. Want to make this delicious little sandwich yourself? I support you in that. Many of the above ingredients (bread, lamb sausage, lard, eggs) are available to you via the @turnrow.farms online ordering platform—or for local delivery by me. #feedyourself #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

My breakfast #cleanlocalplate today, sans plate: @vernal_vibe_rise #highprotein #glutenfree #grainfreeexceptoats bread stacked with VVR #broccolisprouts + homemade #lardmayonnaise + VVR sheep and #bellsvalleyfarm beef meatloaf. Want to make this delicious little sandwich yourself? I support you in that. Many of the above ingredients (bread, lamb sausage, lard, eggs) are available to you via the @turnrow.farms online ordering platform—or for local delivery by me. #feedyourself #provision#healthyfarmer#selfcarewhilefarming#truesustainability#permaculture#holisticcommunity#permacultura #holistichealth#smartnothard#theproblemisthesolution

The best two to welcome me home to @vernal_vibe_rise at the end of last week. Their joy makes the 100 degree to 10 degree swing more manageable, for sure. Not to mention that hot, dry heat from my sturdy @vermontcastings #rescuestove #karakachan#farmeronholiday#selfcarewhilefarming#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

The best two to welcome me home to @vernal_vibe_rise at the end of last week. Their joy makes the 100 degree to 10 degree swing more manageable, for sure. Not to mention that hot, dry heat from my sturdy @vermontcastings #rescuestove #karakachan#farmeronholiday#selfcarewhilefarming#peoplecare#animalcare#theproblemisthesolution #designforthefuture#permaculturefarm #healthyfarmer#truesustainability#permaculture#permacultura #observeandinteract #practicalreflection

The Way To Be GMO-free

Just as we (humans) are what we eat, so are the animals that we raise here on Vernal Vibe Rise. As a result, we believe that it is truly worthwhile to go to great lengths to make sure that our animals have access to the cleanest, most nutrient-rich foods available to us.

GMO-free feed in truckEvery few weeks, we make the trip to neighboring Virginia to purchase GMO-free feed for our animals. It involves an entire day, significant expense, and intense physical effort, but what is farming if not comprised of those things already?

GMO-free feed on truck

Much of the GMO-free swine feed is contained in this one-ton tote, which needs to be secured carefully before the two-hour drive on the highway back to VVR.

GMO-free feed in/on truck

Here is the (rented) truck of the week, all loaded up for the drive back to Renick. My dear truck, the Dumpin’ Doggie, is a 1969 F100 and isn’t well-suited for this type of trip, so she stays at the farm during feed runs.

GMO-free corn

The GMO-free whole corn, which serves as a supplemental feed for VVR poultry, and as a snack for swine and sheep. The clean feed that we offer the animals here on VVR makes them healthier, which in turn ensures that their meat and eggs are tastier and safer to eat. We thank all of our customers for caring enough about the health of our environment to make the choice to purchase VVR’s GMO-free products.